MLA Small & Strategic Pre-Conference Featured Speakers

Maxine Bleiweis
Owner, Maxine Bleiweis & Associates

Former Connecticut library director Maxine Bleiweis is working to keep libraries ahead of the curve. In her new chapter as Maxine Bleiweis & Associates, she is being called upon to speak on all things public library, coach managers, and guide strategic planning, all with an emphasis on innovative thinking.

Bleiweis' libraries were awarded 5-Star Status and were finalists for the IMLS Medal of Excellence. She was the 2015 recipient of the PLA Charles Robinson Award for Innovative Leadership.

Shauna Swantek
Head of Programming & Community Engagement, Marshall District Library

Shauna Swantek has served as Head of Programming & Community Engagement at Marshall District Library since 2017. She is responsible for coordinating library programming for all ages, outreach services, & marketing. She previously served as Director of Putnam District Library in Nashville, Michigan. She developed a reputation in the library world for her creativity & collaboration with the community, including breaking the world record for longest ice cream sundae. She is the recipient of the Library of Michigan's Outstanding Small & Rural Librarian Award.

Angela Semifero
Library Director, Marshall District Library

Angela Semifero began her work at Marshall District Library as the Assistant Director in 2006. She was promoted to the position of Library Director in 2010. Prior to her work in Marshall, she worked as a Children's and Reference Librarian at East Lansing Public Library and as the Assistant Director of Northfield Township Area Library. Angela has served on numerous library committees with particular emphasis on youth services, reference, and technology access. She was selected as a PLA Leadership Academy Fellow in 2015 and is the recipient of the Library of Michigan's Outstanding Small & Rural Librarian Award. She has more unicorns in her office than the average librarian.